Why is the best InterContinental hotel in Hubei Province located in a third-tier city?

My first impression of Xiangyang was that it was a world from Jin Yong's martial arts novels. When people talk about Xiangyang, they always mention the delicious beef noodles. It seems to be a shared sentiment about this ancient city. If it weren't for this InterContinental hotel, I probably wouldn't have planned a trip to this city. For some young people, the hotel itself is a destination and a way to travel. I want to share this hotel, the InterContinental Xiangyang, with every IHG member. It's one of the best hotels in Hubei Province and the most luxurious hotel in Xiangyang. Designed by Yang Bangsheng, it draws inspiration from the ancient city's landscape with a garden-style design, making the entire hotel feel like a resort. It's also very close to the ancient city of Xiangyang. My first impression upon entering the hotel was that it had a resort vibe, with hardware that meets flagship standards. The public areas are grand, and the overall design is exquisite despite its large scale. There's a dedicated area for IHG members with clear signage. Upon check-in, members receive welcome drink vouchers. I looked at the drink redemption menu, and the only thing that appealed to me was the freshly ground coffee; the other drinks were quite ordinary and uninspired. The spiral staircase is a popular spot for taking photos; it's very Instagrammable. The framed pictures on the walls of the corridors leading to the guest room elevators are also captivating, and they seem to be different on each floor. I stayed in a 70-square-meter one-bedroom suite. The room layout is square, and the windows offer views of the moat and garden landscape. The room design is the new-generation InterContinental style – youthful and comfortable. The welcome amenities were very thoughtful. InterContinental seems to have a preference for green, especially dark green, in recent years. The bedroom is spacious. The official website lists the suite's area as 70 square meters, but it felt even larger. The minibar is well-stocked, but only the coffee, tea bags, and water are free. The snacks and drinks in the refrigerator are chargeable. The selection of drinks and snacks in the refrigerator is thoughtful. It's not just the usual Coke, Sprite, and soda water. Although not complimentary, at least they're creative, and it shows their attention to detail. I suggest other hotels learn from this. My favorite part of the room is the bathroom. It has double vanities, double mirrors, and a TV. It's very functional, allowing you to watch various video streaming websites directly. It's not just for show; it's actually useful. The bathroom also features BYREDO toiletries and a Dyson hairdryer. The turndown service included a small gift, and the humidifier was proactively turned on. The bedding is extremely comfortable. The lobby bar offers afternoon tea and is bustling with people during the day. In the evening, it transforms into a bar. The Executive Lounge is currently closed. Guests with executive benefits can enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby bar. The evening cocktail hour is a buffet that doesn't include à la carte items from the menu, but guests can help themselves to anything displayed in the buffet area. The highlight of this InterContinental is the Yuan Coffee Restaurant. The evening seafood buffet is excellent, with high-quality offerings. The pictures only show a portion of the selection. The menu is extensive, and there are six types of steak available to order. I highly recommend it. In terms of hardware and service, this is an outstanding InterContinental hotel, on par with some flagship hotels in first-tier cities. If you plan to travel to Xiangyang, I highly recommend this hotel.